THE LORD IS YOUR ANCHOR Poem Devotional

April 5________________________________________
I see that the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in hope.
-Acts 2:25-26(NLT)
THE LORD IS YOUR ANCHOR
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you go through trials and suffering
It may seem hopeless and debilitating
Remember that the Lord is your anchor
He is right there, reach out and be humble.
Do not be shaken, instead, your hope in him
If you rely on Jesus, you will eventually win
He is worth all of your praise and worship
Run to him when challenges start to creep.
________________________________________
An anchor is a device, normally made of metal, used to connect a vessel to the bed of a body of water to prevent the craft from drifting due to wind or current. Anchors achieve holding power either by “hooking” into the seabed, via sheer mass, or a combination of the two. The purpose of an anchor is to give a stability and steadiness to the ship or boat. Just like how the anchor functions for vessels, the Lord Jesus Christ acts as the same for all of us who hooks up to him. The more weight and baggage we carry; the more stability Christ will give us. When life’s storms come, make sure that you are anchored on him ever so tightly.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being my anchor during life’s challenges.
REFLECTION
How can we maintain a dependency on Jesus regularly?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

GOD POURS SPIRIT ON LAST DAYS Poem Devotional

April 3________________________________________
In the last days, God says, “I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. – Acts 2:17(NLT)
GOD POURS SPIRIT ON LAST DAYS
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you hear many Christians prophecy
God is pouring his Spirit to all he has assigned
Young men will see visions, old men will have dreams
While others who don’t believe, will live in fear.
On the last days, God will watch upon all people
He wants all to be saved, and no one falling
His mercy and love abound especially these last days
Watch out that you are able to receive his bountiful grace.
________________________________________
Have you ever wondered what it would be like on the last days? Revelations 21:8 gives us a clear picture of what will happen to unbelievers, cowards, the corrupt, murderers, immoral and those who practice witchcraft, idolaters and liars. Their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. It is quite scary to think if you are among these enumerated in this verse.
Luke on the other hand, talks in the book of Acts of the Apostles about how the Lord will pour out his Spirit on all people. How sons and daughters of those who were listening to the apostle Paul will prophesy, see visions and how the elder men will dream dreams.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, help me to stay faithful to you until the end of days.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to stay faithful to the Lord always?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

HOLY SPIRIT GRANTS ABILITIES Poem Devotional

April 2________________________________________
And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. – Acts 2:4(NLT)
HOLY SPIRIT GRANTS ABILITIES
A poem and essay by ILMA
When the Lord fills us with his Spirit
There’s nothing impossible, we can do it
He can give us the ability to speak in tongues
He can also give joy and make each of us strong.
The Spirit of God can make us talk in other languages
He can make a way for us to face all kinds of challenges
The Holy Spirit grants abilities so we can face anything
You can overcome and thrive if we believe in him.
________________________________________
I was gifted with communication and creative skills. It is ironic that when I was growing up, you can barely hear me. I don’t usually talk and was a very introverted. God has been using me now to preach the gospel. Even though no one in my family led me to Jesus, I believe that the Holy Spirit was the one who gave me the ability to hear Jesus’ voice in my head and heart even at a very young age of seven. When I was in my late twenties, the Lord made me speak in tongues. It was amazing to speak a foreign language my head doesn’t understand but my heart knows very clearly. I was filled with God’s spirit.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, please keep me grateful for all the abilities you gave me.
REFLECTION
How can we thank the Lord for what he has given us?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

SEARCH MY HEART LORD Poem Devotional

April 1________________________________________
O Lord, you know every heart. – Acts 1:24(NLT)
SEARCH MY HEART LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
O Lord, you know everyone’s heart
Will you search mine and set it apart?
Let me only have righteous intentions
Convict me so I won’t give in to temptations.
Grant me a hunger to always seek your truth
Change my mind and heart so I can be renewed
Don’t allow me to be corrupted by this world
Let me always be guided by your holy word.
________________________________________
How often would you let someone see you inside and out, without masks? Many people are afraid to get closer to others because they are scared that they will be exposed and others will see their weaknesses, faults and flaws. I am thankful that I am not afraid to be seen by others regardless of how much I fall short of God’s glory. The bible tells us that God allows us to experience these “thorns in the flesh” because he is honing us and refining us to be strong we can do what he has planned for us.
King David was known for a person who was after God’s heart. He was obsessed with getting closer to the Lord and he constantly leaned on him for everything. Despite his frailties and sins, the Lord chose him to be the root where the lineage of Jesus originated. Ask God to search your heart.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, let me never be afraid to be convicted by your Spirit if I have done wrong.
REFLECTION
How can we strengthen our desire to have our hearts changed righteously?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

GET WISDOM AND LOVE UNDERSTANDING Poem Devotional

March 31________________________________________
To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.
– Proverbs 19:8(NLT)
GET WISDOM AND LOVE UNDERSTANDING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you acquire wisdom, you are loving yourself
It brings you to a point where you’ll get help
People who cherish understanding will prosper
It will bring about healthy relationships with others.
Get as much wisdom as you can from God’s word
Scriptures is the fountain of knowledge and it is a sword
The word of God is alive and it guides and teaches what is true
Feed and meditate on it day and night and you will know truth.
________________________________________
There is so much time wasted when people just do things without consulting the word of God. We usually end up in circles and life becomes a puzzle when we rely on our own human understanding. If we constantly ask God’s guidance by feeding on his truth and following it, we become equipped to navigate this world more successfully. But how come, a lot of people and sometimes even believers take for granted the benefits of seeking God and his word?
Because of our sin nature, we automatically want to do things on our own and when we do not put on our new nature in Christ consciously, we become prey to the tactics of the devil. Proverbs says that when we get wisdom and understanding, it shows that we love ourselves and become prosperous.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, help me to always consult you for wisdom.
REFLECTION
Cite an instance how has God showered you with his knowledge and understanding.

For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

WRITE DEEP WITHIN YOUR HEART Poem Devotional

March 26________________________________________
Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes. Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
-Proverbs 7:2-3(NLT)
WRITE DEEP WITHIN YOUR HEART
A poem and essay by ILMA
Obey the Lord’s commands and you will have life
Guard his instructions and you will be given insight
Write deep within your heart all of his truth
You will experience a change; you will be renewed.
When you meditate on his words day and night
You will find a peace and you will never lose sight
Wisdom will come to you as you seek the Lord fervently
He rewards all those who follow him faithfully and regularly.
________________________________________
Why do we tie a string around our finger to remember something? According to an article written by Karen Hill, this was a carry-over from olden days when people tied pieces of cloth around any painful part of their body. This cloth was tied in one area to keep the “spirit of life” in that area, and so cure it and keep the pain from spreading to other parts of the body. The string on the finger was designed to “keep” the thought there, to be remembered later when it was needed.
The bible verse in Proverbs 7:2-3 instructs us guard the instructions of the Lord as if you would tie a string on your fingers to remember it.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, help me never to forget the importance of meditating on your truth.
REFLECTION
Why is writing the words of God deeply in our hearts essential for a believer?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

WHEN PERSECUTED Poem Devotional

March 25________________________________________
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
– Matthew 5:10(NLT)
WHEN PERSECUTED
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you are undergoing much oppression
Don’t give up or give in to depression
Be joyful when you are being persecuted
For the faithful will definitely be protected.
Do what is right even if others maltreat you
You need not give in, stick to what is true
You will inherit the kingdom of heaven
The Lord is faithful to all his brethren.
________________________________________
There may be times when people are oppressing you for doing and following the word and commands of the Lord. It shouldn’t matter because what is important is that God knows what is going on and he has your backs covered. It may seem bleak but there is always a light that the Lord shines bright on those who are being persecuted. They are special to him because they will be heirs to his heavenly kingdom.
I have been set aside many times because of my close relationship with the Lord. It never discouraged me because I know how faithful the Lord is to all his promises. I also know that he is Spirit and that those who don’t live in the Spirit will not understand the ways of the Lord. Be encouraged if you are marginalized because of your faith for you will be spiritual millionaires when you do what’s right.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, help me to focus on you when I am persecuted.
REFLECTION
Why do you think persecution for doing what’s right is rewarded by God?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

PURE HEARTED PEOPLE’S REWARD Poem Devotional

March 24________________________________________
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. -Matthew 5:8(NLT)
PURE HEARTED PEOPLE’S REWARD
A poem and essay by ILMA
You have been commanded to guard your heart
Never turn your back to God or be apart
The Lord blesses those whose hearts are pure
He protects them from the devil’s tactics and lure.
Why do you compromise your allegiance?
You will see God when you are in alliance
He will allow the pure to see him face to face
It’s a great reward for those whose hearts are in place?
________________________________________
Why do you think God mentions many times in the bible to guard our hearts? When we don’t watch what is going on inside our spiritual heart, it will be vulnerable to be enticed and corrupted by the world systems. The bible also mentions how important it is to see things like a little child would. Children are innocent and pure. That is why they are very vulnerable to be victimized by ill-intentioned adults. God even said that you cannot enter his kingdom unless you are like a child. Children have no ill intentions because they are still unable to really fathom and weigh what’s right and wrong. There are no schemes or bad motivations. They are just outwardly open, honest and fresh in their perspectives.
The reward of the pure-hearted people is that they will definitely see God.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, help me to always stay pure for you.
REFLECTION
Why are there some believers who compromise their integrity?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

REWARD FOR NEEDING CHRIST Poem Devotional

March 23
________________________________________
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. – Matthew 5:3(NLT)
REWARD FOR NEEDING CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who do not ask for help from Christ
They will fail and struggle much in life
God blesses those who realize their need for him
To them, the kingdom of heaven, he will bring.
Wouldn’t you want to be spending eternity with God?
Why continue to be self-sufficient and not bring him laud?
When you acknowledge your weakness and seek his guidance
You are humbling yourself and you’ll receive divine assistance.
________________________________________
Have you ever had a relationship with someone who is so independent that he thinks that he doesn’t need anyone else in his life? They believe the lie that they have it altogether and have no desire to reach out or give help to anyone. They think that in their own strength, they are perfect. What a pity it is to watch these people who have accepted the lie that they are okay without anyone else’s assistance. I have had many relationships with these kind of people. It was draining to be with them because they resist to accept any form of care or love and concern for them.
The bible tells us that those who have realized their need for Christ and others will inherit the kingdom of heaven. He values God-dependence.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, always remind me to be dependent on you.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God gives his kingdom to those who acknowledge their need for him?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

FALLING AWAY FROM GOD’S GRACE Poem Devotional

March 22
________________________________________
For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace – Galatians 5:4(NLT)
FALLING AWAY FROM GOD’S GRACE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you committed your life to Jesus Christ
You will be showered with his grace in life
You need not keep on following rules
Openly receive his mercy, grace and his truth.
You will be falling away from God’s grace right away
When you obsessively follow the law always
You will be denying yourself of all his blessings
Walk in love instead of keeping the law strictly.
________________________________________
Are you a stickler to rules? Do you follow the law just so you can be right with the Lord? I used to be legalistic and followed the commandments so I can feel right with myself and with God. I didn’t know I lived in the old testament by following the ten commandments and abiding by it for the sake of being saved. Romans 13:10 says that love is the fulfillment of the law and in Matthew 22:36-40, we are given the highest commandment to love God first and our neighbors as ourselves. It states that love rules over law. When we do things out of just obeying the law, we lose out on what is more important, which is love. We fall away from God’s grace when we prioritize law over love.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, let me follow your commands out of love and not just out of duty.
REFLECTION
How can we avoid falling out of grace?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com